iOS 6 coming to older iPhone and iPad models, but not with all of its features

posted by Ray S. / Jun 11, 2012, 2:38 PM

Sure, it sounded great when Apple said that the new iOS 6 will come to the iPhone 3GS and newer models (and it sounded bad when it said iOS 6 is not coming to the original iPad), but it turns out that some of the coolest features will be left out. And the 3GS won't be the only model that will miss a big part of the fun... Here are all the exceptions that you might want to know about:

1. While the new Maps app will come to the older devices, the cool new features - turn-by-turn directions and Flyover - won't be available on the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4. Sad face :(

2. For a moment there we thought that the updated Siri will hit all iOS 6-powered devices, but no. It'll still be available only on the iPhone 4S and iPad (3rd generation). Probably because Apple hates people using older gear. Just kidding, the reason is probably in the mics used in the older devices.

3. The Shared Photo Streams feature will not be supported by the iPhone 3GS.

4. Strangely enough, the VIP options in the Mail app will not be available in the iPhone 3GS. We doubt that hardware limitations were the reason for this.

5. The same goes for the Offline Reading List feature. No iPhone 3GS support.

6. Finally, the Made for iPhone hearing aids will require you to have an iPhone 4S.

Well, these were some serious feature-cuts, but hey, let's look on the bright side - everything else should be available on your aging iGadgets, and that means you'll still be getting a lot of new stuff! And think about all the performance optimizations that have also been made in iOS 6 - you'll be getting those too. So even with these nasty omissions, considering the other mobile OS's around, we have to admit that Apple is still doing pretty good when it comes to software support for older devices.

posted on Jun 11, 2012, 3:34 PM 1

Posts: 5713; Member since: Oct 23, 2011

posted on Jun 11, 2012, 11:11 PM 0

Posts: 1476; Member since: Dec 01, 2011

And there you go. To the iFans who were saying that the Galaxy S never got ICS but a value pack instead. This iOS6 "upgrade" is basically your value pack, it's not a full upgrade. Your iOS 6 is just iOS5+

posted on Jun 11, 2012, 2:44 PM 5

Posts: 2137; Member since: Jan 06, 2011

well part of this is that ics came out before the galaxy s' term contract was up for us owners... the initial 3gs term is up by now and any term past that there was already the new ip4..
but i dont think its bad for the 3gs to be getting a "value pack" i almost dont think it should get anything at all... its old and the hardware already has trouble enough

Posts: 1476; Member since: Oct 26, 2011

posted on Jun 11, 2012, 3:59 PM 1

Posts: 32; Member since: Oct 07, 2011

I think apple does this just so they have the bragging right of saying that 80% of there devices are upgradable to ios 6. What's the point of being on the latest software version if you don't have any of the features?

posted on Jun 11, 2012, 8:22 PM 0

Posts: 14605; Member since: Dec 19, 2008

like i said. they are giving a neutered update to older devices to give the illusion of OS parity among the devices. Only stupid trolls will fall for this. The reality is, if you dont have the newest iPhone, you are not actually getting an update. Your getting a few minor bug fixes and a new OS number. Like everything else with apple. Its a half truth at best and a lie at worst.

posted on Jun 11, 2012, 9:12 PM 1

Posts: 306; Member since: Sep 21, 2011

It looks like Apple updated their iOS 6 page and now FaceTime over a cellular network is only available on iPhone 4S or iPad (3rd generation) with cellular data capability. (If I recall correctly, it used to include at least iPhone 4 as well, if not iPad 2, too.)

posted on Jun 12, 2012, 3:25 PM 0

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